December 9, 2009 // Local

Christmas CD benefits mother and child at Women’s Care Center

Todays Catholic

By Kay Cozad

FORT WAYNE — “Unto Us a Child is Born,” is a festive music CD released just in time for the Christmas season that has a dual purpose, says producer Beverly Rieger. “It’s something I think people will enjoy and it will raise money for the Women’s Care Center,” she reports.
The nine track instrumental CD offers liturgically traditional music recorded live by Rieger, who considers herself a veteran musician and recording artist. Not only is she owner of Mayan Dream Productions, but she boasts a long history of musical service to the church, including over 37 years in parish music ministry and nine years as director of the diocesan Office of Worship. 

Rieger, who is currently the director of music at St. John the Baptist Parish, felt the desire to reach out to those in need within her own community. After speaking with Father Cyril Fernandes, pastor of St. John’s, she decided to employ her musical talent to benefit the mothers and children of the Women’s Care Center.

This musical artist, currently grandmother of four, looks forward to the birth this month of two more grandchildren and readily admits to having a heart for mothers and children. And she is humbled to offer this project to support the nonprofit organization that provides assistance to women who find themselves pregnant. 

Services provided there include pregnancy testing and verification, ultrasounds, counseling, a 24-hour hotline, parenting classes and the Crib Club — a program that provides baby items earned by participation in parenting classes and prenatal care. 

After lining up studio time, Rieger set about laying track after track of bells, piano, harpsichord, trumpet, congo drums, strings and more.
“This is a CD that you can play at home,” says Rieger, who recorded an original song, “Deep Snowy Night” that compliments traditional favorites such as “Joy to the World,” “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “Silent Night.” The stylistic tracks juxtapose reverent melodies with upbeat favorites and would provide a delightful acoustic backdrop for any holiday gathering. 

“It’s light, happy, joyful and warm,” says Rieger of the selections she included on the festive CD. “They’re songs that people know and love.”
Of the many hours involved in not only laying the tracks but working with the graphic designer to create the cover, printing and cutting the cover, and assembling the CDs in the cases, Rieger says, “I enjoyed it. It’s something I wanted to do for the church. It’s good to give back as a music ministry to the larger community.” 

“Unto Us a Child is Born,” CD sells for $10 and is available at the Cathedral Bookstore, located downtown in the Archbishop Noll Catholic Center at 902 S. Clinton St., after all Masses during Advent at St. John the Baptist Parish and during its second annual Lessons and Carols concert. 
The concert will be held at St. John’s on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., and is a “celebration of the impending coming of Jesus,” offering lessons and carols for Advent laced with Christmas music. Those in attendance will be treated to the sounds of the adult, children’s and bell choirs as well as musicians heralding guitar, harpsichord and flute. 

The “Unto Us a Child is Born,” CD is provided through the music ministry of St. John the Baptist and all profits from its sales will go directly to support the Women’s Care Center.

Next year Rieger hopes to offer a Christmas CD that will benefit a local charity with the inspired music of the talented St. John’s musicians. “I love St. John’s. They are a great group. The talent is phenomenal,” Rieger concludes.